New Mexico Junior College (NMJC), located in Hobbs, New Mexico, is a public community college founded in 1966. Serving Lea County and southeast New Mexico, it provides affordable associate degrees, certificates, and vocational training to over 4,000 students annually. Known for its Thunderbirds athletics and strong ties to the oil and gas industry, NMJC emphasizes hands-on education in fields like nursing, welding, and business. Jobs at New Mexico Junior College attract educators and professionals passionate about community impact, offering roles in teaching, administration, and support services.
The college's campus spans 234 acres, featuring modern facilities like the New Mexico Junior College Fine Arts Theater and a state-of-the-art welding lab. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, instructors play a pivotal role in personalized learning. Careers here blend academic rigor with regional relevance, supporting the local economy in the Permian Basin.
Established to meet the educational needs of Lea County's growing population amid the oil boom, NMJC began as a branch of the University of New Mexico before becoming independent. Its mission focuses on open access, student success, and workforce development, aligning with New Mexico's higher education goals. Today, it offers over 60 programs, from liberal arts to technical trades, preparing graduates for transfer to four-year universities or direct employment.
Jobs at New Mexico Junior College have evolved with the college's growth, including expansions in health sciences and STEM. The institution's commitment to affordability—no out-of-state tuition differential—makes it a hub for diverse talent seeking meaningful roles in higher ed.
NMJC's divisions include Arts & Sciences, Career & Technical Education, and Health Occupations. Popular programs encompass Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology, Registered Nursing (RN), and Oil & Gas Technology. Faculty jobs often require expertise in these areas, with adjunct professor jobs filling part-time teaching needs.
Departments like Agriculture and Automotive Technology cater to Hobbs' industrial base, offering specialized roles. For comprehensive university job types, NMJC exemplifies community college positions from lecturers to lab coordinators.
Careers at NMJC span faculty, administration jobs, and support staff. Faculty positions include full-time instructors (master's required), adjunct professors, and department chairs. Administration jobs cover deans, HR, and student services. Staff roles involve library, IT, and athletics coaching for the NJCAA Division I Thunderbirds.
Remote higher ed jobs are limited but available in online instruction. See listings on community college jobs.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, common at community colleges like NMJC for flexible staffing. Associate Degree: Two-year credential for transfer or entry-level jobs. Community College: Two-year institution offering affordable education, vocational training, and open admission. NJCAA: National Junior College Athletic Association, governing NMJC's sports programs.
For instructor jobs at NMJC, a master's degree in the discipline is standard (e.g., MSN for nursing). PhD preferred for transfer programs like biology. Administration jobs require bachelor's plus experience; executive roles need advanced degrees. Certifications like AWS for welding instructors are essential. These align with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standards.
NMJC prioritizes teaching over research, but expertise in applied areas like petroleum technology or renewable energy is valued due to Hobbs' energy sector. Faculty contribute to grant-funded projects in agriculture or health, supporting regional needs. Publications in trade journals enhance applications for tenured roles.
Ideal candidates have 3-5 years teaching at community colleges, industry experience (e.g., 5 years in oilfield for energy instructors), publications, and grant management. Coaching experience benefits athletic jobs. Local knowledge of New Mexico's Hispanic-serving institution context is advantageous.
Key skills include curriculum design, student engagement, technology integration (e.g., Canvas LMS), cultural competency, and teamwork. Soft skills like communication and adaptability are crucial for diverse student body (60% Hispanic). Technical competencies vary by department, e.g., simulation software for nursing.
Apply via NMJC's HR site or higher ed jobs platforms. Submit cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references. Tips: Customize for NMJC's mission, highlight community college experience, use free cover letter template, network at conferences. Interviews include teaching demos; follow up promptly. Deadlines vary; monitor postings.
NMJC, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, fosters inclusion through TRIO programs, Latinx faculty recruitment, and Equity Council. Initiatives include cultural competency training, mentorship for underrepresented staff, and events like Hispanic Heritage Month. 40% of faculty are minorities, reflecting Hobbs' demographics.
NMJC supports balance with 35-hour weeks for faculty, generous leave, wellness programs, and on-campus childcare. Campus life features gym, theater, rodeo team, and events in sunny Hobbs (average 300 sunny days/year). Proximity to Carlsbad Caverns offers outdoor perks; community events build camaraderie.
Jobs at New Mexico Junior College offer rewarding opportunities in a vibrant community college setting. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening at post a job. For employer branding, see employer branding secrets.
NMJC's commitment to student success makes it ideal for educators. Check similar opportunities or community college jobs.
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